After installation, enable two‑step verification ( Settings > Account > Two-step verification ), back up your chats weekly, and enjoy seamless messaging on your trusty Nougat device.

Below is everything you need to know to get the best version of WhatsApp running on your device, along with important security and compatibility updates.

You can download WhatsApp for Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) directly from the . As of April 2026, WhatsApp remains compatible with your device, as the current minimum requirement is Android 5.0 or newer . Best Ways to Download and Update